West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1887-05-05
MATTIE'S MISTAKE.
Our daily bread
j. r Burton Wouas,on, in Quirc
BY PRANK II. srAuFFER.


1t was a charming mountain resort.
'Fhcre the irlvoltics of fashion were ig-
nored, and where genuine personal com
Tort were thoroughly appreciated.
he gentlemen were mainly men OF let
teis, aud the iavorite among the ladies
was Charley Dclisle, a successful journal
1T and n poet of some distinction. He
YEAS handsome in person, suavc in man
Icrs, iaultlcss in attire, and, while tena-
'lous about his own rights, was careful
rot TO invade the rights of others.
As he was one evening sauntering along
enc of the shady paths, he heard someone
call him by name.
lie turned, and bchcld in bend in the
iath a pretty girl Of eighteen summers.
who was very sclf-posscsscd at other
times, but who just then seemed rather
Hurried
She was neatly dressed, her gypsy hat
IN her hand, the faint sunlight falling
upon her finely poised head. She was
robust in frame and yet there was Ger
tain degree Of daintiucSs about her. Her
eyes were dark and thoughtful, but not
laDguid; her checks wore the hue of
health; her chin was dimplcd. and her
mouth especially handsome, and very
tusce. the in the betrayal Of emotions.
Mr.. DclsIe, she said, the dark ewes
lut Partially unvailcd. her voice clear.
hut not entirely devoid Of agitation, III
have been cmboldened to ask your advice
that is"
shall be very happy to oblige Miss
fanlccr," he replied, flinging away his
cigar, and slightly lifting his hat.
She was pleased to know that he re-
lnembcrcd her, though their introduction
lad been very incidental in its character.
Il would like to have your opinion OF
a poem which | have written, " she said.
her eyes prettily dropped.
She held out folded paper and he took
it.
Some time when you have leisure
II can give you my opinion of its
merits now" he politely intcrruptcd. al.
ready scanning the lines. "Miss Vanleer.
did you write this 2" he asked, without
looking mp.
Yes, she stammcrcd, hardly knowing
whether To feel pleased or offended.
II would like to place it for you" he
She looked directly ut him. not sure
that She had caught his m aiming.
81 wish to offer it to magazine if
you do not object he ad lei
"Oh, thank YOU" she exclaimed.
II expect to be able TO announce the
nature Of its reception within a week -
Iic remarked, bowling, and passing on.
Matte Nanleer stood alone i'm the path.
slhe glanced after him, her heart in a
huttcr, her dimplcs dancing
"Hc must have thought favorablv of
the poem, was her mental comment.
lie was very prompt and-kind."
"A week later he found her seated upon
the rocks lie studied her expressive
face and graceful attitude for ten minutes
before he approached her.
This IS yours, ! believe, " he said toss.
ing something into her lap.
She was startled, and looked up at him
in q shy cxpectant way
My poem has been declined" she
said, falling infection i'm her voice.
NO, ? hc rcptied, lcisurcly, seating
himself beside her
She uniOldcd the hit Of paper and saw
that 1t was r. check for twenty-five dol
lars. Her heart beat so loudly that she
almost iancicd that she heard il.
III You prefer it, TN cash the check
for yOu, he said
ooh, thank yout' she cried. trying
hard ~ seem sclfcontained. Somebody
would have 20 vouch for me, and I'd
I'd feel embarrassed 2"
1T would bo cashcd without any hcsi
fancy for it is made payable to bearer, "
nc slid
lie handed her twenty five dollars and
she handed him the check
tITrYtr. 900. al. ......f.s 4
with your p'n!' hc asked Excuse me,
Miss NanIccr ~
You need not apologize. she swcetly
interrupted "Such Is my desire. In
acct Ut seems Che only resource left TO
me, aud she colorcd deeply. II feel as
j couldn't thank YOU enough
lie waved his hand and changed the
topic. They sat and talked for an hour
mutually pleased with each other. She
paid him the compliment of being an at
tentivo listener while her replies pleased
him because so piquant and sensible
Your poem was entitled Sunrise %
nc said, as he rose TO depart could
you write q companion piece called Sun
setY
~ can try, she demurcly reioined.
There's plenty Of inspiration among
these breezy hills, was the reply. "You
can venture to trust my criticism again. s"
The poem was written and accepted.
and realized the same amount rs tho
other She next handed him prose ar
ticlc lie read it, then shook his head
% 10 is not fortunately written" he
said, with q smile, knowing that she
would understand him. You can sue
coed in prose, ] am sure Select some
thing that is fresh and emotional. One
day you told me o pleasing little episode
Of your quiet life Why not dress that
up and call it g Homcsick Nora 'W
She looked 10 him in surprise
u is too simple an incident, she de-
cided